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The Duke of Westminster, who has died aged 64, was one of the UK's richest men, thanks to a vast property portfolio spread across the world.

The property company set up to manage the family's business activities, Grosvenor, can trace its roots back to the 17th century when 500 acres of swamp, pasture and orchards to the west of the City of London were brought into the family through the marriage of Mary Davies and Sir Thomas Grosvenor.

The Duke of Westminster has died at the age of 64

Around 300 acres of this land – now in some of the most exclusive parts of the capital – is still in the family’s ownership. The Duke of Westminster was Grosvenor's chairman, a role that will now pass to his son.